SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The study comprises three themes, the rise of the Fulani to power, the establishment and consolidation of the central administration, and the overthrow of Fulani rule. The gradual migrations of Fulani from the Senegambia region towards the east had resulted by the end of the eighteenth century in Fulani settlements south of Bornu. In response to Uthman's call to make jihad, Adama, having received a flag from Uthman, gave over forty Fulani leaders the authority to further the aims of Uthman's jihad. The result was the creation of Adamawa as an emirate of the Soketo empire. Adama set up a central administration over the conquered territory. The leaders who had previously been governors of districts opposed Adama, but support from Sokoto helped maintain a single overall leadership. Further developments in the administrative institutions at the centre assured Yola's pre-eminence over the districts. From exploring missions, European expeditions to Adamawa developed commercial and political interests. European competition, the rise of a Mahdist state in Adamawa, and Zubeiru's uncompromising stand against any interference with the exercise of his political authority finally brought about the overthrow of Fulani rule.